The Winter school holiday is here! Officials at the City’s Recreation and Parks Department said its Winter Holiday Recreation Programme is filled with lively and vibrant activities to ensure that holidays are action-packed and full of fun for children and youth!
The Department together with City libraries have put together a programme to ensure the school holidays are anything but cold and wet. Hundreds of programmes are on offer at a range of recreation centres and libraries.
Winter school holiday is here!
City staff say the programme provides an opportunity to safely enjoy recreation activities, sports and games, whilst enhancing their skills and enjoying a different recreational learning environment.
The Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross says “Play is essential to children’s growth and development and I want to encourage parents and guardians to let their children participate in these events.”
While the focus is on fun and positive engagement, it may have a friendly but competitive component.
At 56 City recreational venues
The holiday programme will be offered from Wednesday 19 June to Friday 5 July 2024 at 56 City recreational venues across the city. These include mostly community centres, sports grounds and play parks.
She says “The winter school holiday can seem even longer when it’s rainy and cold, but our exciting holiday programme aims to create a safe space for children to play and learn.”
The various facilities will host a range of indoor and outdoor programmes for children during the winter holiday break.
The extensive list of activities includes games days, arts and crafts, sports events, a spelling bee, a movie carnival and a chess competition.
From 19 June to 5 July
The programme offers a large variety of activities at these different facilities and public spaces, depending on the needs of the community and the creativity of the organising staff.
READ MORE: Holiday programmes
Daily activities will begin anytime between 08:00 and end in the late afternoon, with some facilities ending activities as late as 16:30 to accommodate youth.
“Children need space to breathe, relax and engage in activities that make them happy.” elaborated van der Ross.
Events taking place during the holidays are linked to the holiday programme. This may be an event that culminates at the end of the holiday period such as a sport or games tournament.
Children and youth who have participated in the holiday programme participate in the programme’s event.
Here are some of the activities children can engage in across the City’s Facilities:
Animal talks
Arts and crafts
Boardgames
Career expo
Dance classes
Games
Hiking
Movie days
Puppet shows
Sports (including chess, cricket, soccer, table tennis, volleyball and more)
Storytelling
Talent shows
Arts and crafts
Boardgames
Career expo
Dance classes
Games
Hiking
Movie days
Puppet shows
Sports (including chess, cricket, soccer, table tennis, volleyball and more)
Storytelling
Talent shows
MORE INFORMATION: Click here for a list of holiday programmes
Don’t forget to visit the nearest recreation centre or library where holiday programmes will take place.
“Each holiday we pull out all the stops to ensure our young people are not only having fun, but they remain active”,” she concluded.
This article was compiled by the Media Team of the City of Cape Town.
